Who is welcome at the Lord’s Table? And who has the authority to decide?

Throughout Church history, many traditions have practised what is known as “fencing the table.” The phrase, which emerged in 17th-century Scottish Presbyterianism, describes the practice of warning certain people not to participate in Holy Communion. Sometimes this was symbolic. In earlier centuries it was even literal – with physical barriers placed around the table. Ministers would outline “marks of grace” for those who were eligible and warn others to abstain. Communion tokens were issued. Elders interviewed visitors. Participation was carefully monitored.

The biblical justification usually rests on Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians 11:27–32 about eating and drinking “in an unworthy manner.” From this, some conclude that church leaders must protect the sacrament by excluding those deemed spiritually unfit.

But is that what the New Testament actually teaches?

When Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, He knowingly included Judas – the very man who would betray Him within hours. That alone challenges the idea that the table must be guarded from imperfect participants. If ever there was a moment to “fence the table,” surely that was it.

Paul’s instruction in 1 Corinthians places the responsibility for examination on the individual: “Everyone ought to examine themselves.” The emphasis is not on church leaders examining others. The warning addresses irreverence, division, and selfishness within the Corinthian church – not the absence of perfection or a failure to meet man-made criteria.

The deeper theological question is this: Whose table is it?

Scripture consistently describes Communion as “the Lord’s Table.” It is not the property of a denomination, a church board, or a minister. It is a meal of grace – a visible proclamation of Christ’s finished work. It reminds us that we are one body (1 Corinthians 10:17), united not by flawless behaviour but by faith in Jesus Christ.

Of course, self-examination matters. We should approach Communion thoughtfully, prayerfully, and humbly. But nowhere are we instructed to become each other’s judges. None of us are without sin (1 John 1:8–10). Only God knows the human heart. Attempts to police the table risk turning a meal of grace into a ritual of qualification.

Communion is not a reward for the righteous. It is nourishment for sinners saved by grace.

If Jesus was willing to share that first sacred meal with Judas, perhaps we should be cautious before deciding who is unworthy to sit at His table.

For a fuller exploration of this issue, including the historical background and biblical discussion, you can read my complete paper here: https://robertgriffith.net/files/Come-to-the-Table.pdf